In honor of Valentine's Day (and every day, really), I want to share some ideas for how you can demonstrate care to those around you without looking like you're trying too hard. Whether you want to use these tips on a love interest, colleagues you normally can't stand, or your office BFF, they're guaranteed to give you and the recipients the warm and fuzzies. You'll see them in list form, but I've also included a fun infographic below that for your viewing pleasure!

10 Non-Creepy Ways to Show Love at Work

Be present. Stop making a grocery list in your head while Debbie from Payroll is trying to talk to you. Take a deep breath and actually be present with her - focus on her words, her demeanor, what she's asking of you. When we know someone is truly present with us, we feel seen and connected, which is ultimately what it means to be loved.
Bring treats. This one's obvious. Pastries, lunch, sweets - eating yummy things releases oxytocin in our brains, which makes us feel relaxed and cared for.
Remember something they said or did. You know how it feels when someone brings up something you said or did that seemed inconsequential to you but that touched them enough that they remembered it? It feels amazing - you feel meaningful and like your existence matters a little bit. Do that for someone else today.
See them in new ways. Our minds like to put people into tight little boxes and then go find information that confirms what we already believe about someone. Pay attention to the stories you have about those colleagues that really irk you and choose to let go of them. Allow yourself to see the people around you in new ways.
Smile more. Even when you don't feel like it, smile. It tricks your brain into feeling happy, and it's uplifting to others.
Notice when they're really trying. It sucks to be a newbie at something, and most of us are newbies in one way or another - we're learning a new system, trying out a new skill, or working to make personal changes. Notice when someone is trying to improve and tell them privately how much you appreciate or admire their efforts.
Give more. Hone in on one person you work with and ask yourself what you could do today that might lighten their load a bit. Find one small thing and do that for them.
Be specifically grateful. We throw "thanks!" around like it's nothing. Instead, thank someone for something specific, like "I really appreciated how quickly you got this report back to me" or "Thank you so much for helping me unload that box of papers - it was going to be too much for me to carry on my own."
Ask them questions. Be genuinely curious about people. Use your ability to be present to really see them and be inquisitive - what do they think about this situation? What's it like to be them in this job? What's on their plate that's getting them stuck?
Radiate love. Did you know that you actually radiate a certain kind of energy depending on your mood and the level of "stuff" you're carrying in your chakras? When you take care of yourself and choose to be loving, you make those around you feel good without even trying.

And now, in infographic form!:

If you'd like to download or print this infographic, click here!